David Beckham Quits LA Galaxy

David Beckham bows out of Major League Soccer on a winning note as LA Galaxy retained their title with a 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final.

CARSON: David Beckham bowed out of Major League Soccer on a winning note as L.A. Galaxy retained their title with a 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. L.A. had to come from behind after Calen Carr put Houston ahead a minute before the break but the Galaxy took control in the second half.

Defender Omar Gonzalez headed in the equaliser on the hour before Landon Donovan converted a penalty five minutes later to give the Galaxy the lead. Striker Robbie Keane, who had two efforts disallowed, got his reward in injury time when Houston keeper Tally Hall tried to bring him down and the Irishman rose to slot home the penalty.

The game was former England captain Beckham's final competitive appearance for the Galaxy after six seasons with the club and he received a standing ovation as he was substituted in the final seconds. Beckham was then joined on the field by his children as he said his farewell to the Galaxy fans after a display in which he had shown some of the passing vision and execution that has been characteristic of his career.

"I'm sad it is the end; this has been an amazing place for me and continues to be an amazing place," said Beckham. The midfielder has won league titles in his final season with all three of the clubs he has played with on a permanent basis - Manchester United, Real Madrid and now Galaxy.

Galaxy's fourth MLS title equals the tally held by D.C. United and the club said this week they intend to recruit another big name player to replace Beckham, having targeted Brazilian Kaka.